As we settle into 2024, and the transition from winter to spring, we often have more time within our own four walls to contemplate new beginnings and reflect on changes and aspirations we have for our lives. Many individuals and families may find themselves assessing their current residences and wondering just whether relocating may align with those new aspirations. 

Determining the optimal timing for such a move requires weighing up a variety of evolving factors. Economic outlooks, housing market projections, quality of life expectations, career  and personal readiness can all impact this key decision point.

Will 2024 Be A Good Year For Moving Home?

Signs suggest that the 2024 UK housing scene will be a balanced playing field for both buyers and sellers alike. So, if you're thinking of selling and moving, this year may be ideal timing.

A projected cooling in the market emphasizes the importance of strategic pricing from the outset, and it will be key for sellers looking to remain competitive. With more houses sitting longer and price drops becoming common, setting the right asking price from the get-go, based on similar local sales, will be critical. Being better able to match what buyers in your area can actually pay versus going in too high, will streamline the selling process and prevent needing to reduce a price just to increase a property’s appeal.

Understanding local sales data as well as trends can help to set a motivated yet fair price from day one, and sellers can maximise their home’s visibility among neighbourhood buyers. This taps into initial interest before prospective buyers get distracted by lower or reduced listings. It shortens the sales journey, allowing deals to close while market heat, though cooling, still persists. Starting with realistic, data-driven prices also allows sellers to maximise exposure when hitting the market. This also enables deals to transact before tailwinds like low mortgage rates recede. 

Meanwhile, certain regional market trends will continue to influence people’s house-moving and investment decisions. Lifestyle factors are another key driver among remote workers searching for affordability without sacrificing job opportunities or career development. Moving provides a fresh start, the chance to plant roots in a new community and unlock access to fulfilling experiences that result in a better work/life balance.

This year is clearly shaping up to offer a relatively promising landscape for property transactions. The expected balance between price growth and mortgage affordability makes 2024 an especially good time to consider entering or moving within the UK property ladder.

Reasons To Consider Moving in 2024

So, with this year showing promising signs of being a prime time to make a move, forecasts from the experts call for a period of cautious optimism. Mortgage rates may still be higher than historically low levels, but the market is certainly calmer and there are rumours that rates are expected to fall in 2024. Buyers who paused their moving plans last year could now be able to make more concrete plans based on greater affordability. Within this backdrop lie compelling motivations for using this optimism as a catalyst to relocate.

Seeking an improved lifestyle stands out as a leading reason to move for many people. As priorities evolve across life stages, from expanding families to shifting retirement dreams, finding a home that enables your ideal daily experience becomes essential. Whether larger spaces, connectivity to certain amenities, more walkable communities or simply a change of scenery, a new year kick start offers an opportune time to embrace a move that facilitates the lifestyle you aspire towards.

Smart financial planning also plays a role for some evaluating a move. Tapping into home equity can help consolidate debt, fund further education or expand investment horizons to enrich retirement savings. Consulting experts to map out the pros and cons of relocation tied to your larger financial picture deserves consideration.

Of course, personal factors related to health, family, and unique needs should anchor any moving decision. But from lifestyle alignment to strategic financial planning to simply embracing positive change, the UK housing market forecast for 2024 does offer a generally supportive environment for making a move.

Challenges To Consider When Moving In 2024

While the market outlook should attract many prospective buyers and sellers, significant challenges still remain that could disrupt your moving plans. For instance, rising inflation and interest rate hikes could dampen affordability and purchasing power for some prospective buyers. Even sellers could find softened demand that curbs the number of attractive offers. Fortunately, a cooling market this year could offer short-term bargains.

Surging costs for relocation-related services also warrant caution. Comparing multiple moving companies, and being flexible on timing can yield you savings but you may find bargains few and far between with the rising cost of living having pushed prices up. Though not always easy, avoiding peak summer moving season may also provide relief.

While challenges persist, proactively developing mitigation strategies, contingencies and emotional support systems can effectively counterbalance 2024’s promising upside for prospective movers. Market indicators may encourage a move, but personal readiness and resilience will ultimately determine success.

Top Tips For An Optimised Move

Given the constructive outlook for the housing market, 2024 may be the ideal time for a well executed move. By adhering to best practices in preparation, logistics and emotional support, you can effectively navigate challenges and ease the transition process.

Start early by outlining a comprehensive checklist covering all details from property selection to address changes. Building in a buffer of 4-6 weeks enables you to tackle items methodically without last-minute stresses escalating costs. It’s also wise to strategically purge and pack belongings in advance, so you’re only moving essentials to your new home. This reduces loading fees and frees you from clutter assuming lifestyle changes. Properly labelled, sturdy boxes also protect valuables while keeping movers efficient.

Though it is an added expense, professional movers remove heavy logistics off your shoulders while protecting your cherished items from harm, so it can be a worthwhile investment. Compare costs for multiple services for the best value mix of affordability and reliability. Looking ahead, contact utility companies early to seamlessly transition power, water and internet without disruptions as you move. Confirming timeline alignments sets up a smooth landing and means you’re not waiting weeks for the essentials.

We are now 10% of the way through 2024 and the housing market appears poised to deliver balanced opportunities for buyers and sellers looking to make a move. While broader economic uncertainties persist, indicators point towards continued housing price appreciation paired with competitive mortgage rates, potentially enhancing affordability for prospective buyers and sellers alike.

If you are seeking expert advice and eager to get a head start and launch your home to the market before the Spring rush then just get in touch with me, Katie Griffin by email - katie@sawdyeandharris.co.uk or 01364 652652.

We are always looking to speed up and smooth out the property buying and selling process and having looked at the current system, we needed an improvement. 

Our goal has to be to reduce the time it takes to move and provide more information upfront to a potential buyer, resulting in fewer sales falling through.

Preparing information before a sale is agreed shaves many weeks off the sale time. A potential buyer reading all the information about the property means nothing is hidden that could put them off at a later date. Transparency is much smarter for all and meets the current recommended guidelines by Trading Standards for upfront information.

We have partnered with Gazeal to offer a superb solution for our sellers and buyers.

GETTING SALE READY - What is a 'Buyer Information Pack'

Usually, after a sale is agreed, it's panic stations. A seller and buyer are asked to source a solicitor and instruct them. Then there’s a lot of paperwork and ID checks to go through before things could officially get moving on the property sale/purchase. Waiting on these necessary forms and documents hold up a sale and add weeks on to the process.

Instead of waiting until an offer has been agreed, we offer a unique service to help our sellers go through all the necessary paperwork right at the beginning, before we start to market their property. The documents we help prepare include:

• Property information form (TA6)
• Leasehold information form (TA7) if applicable
• Fixtures and fittings form (TA10)

The Government and National Trading Standards require that more material information needs to be provided to potential buyers upfront.  Getting this ‘buyer information pack’ ready right at the start means that we are ready to digitally share it with our seller’s solicitor and reduce any potential delays.

We still recommend a seller instructs their solicitor early to open up the file and do the ID checks. The solicitor won't need to obtain Title TA6, TA7, or TA10 as we can email them the link which will also contain other documents relating to the property. This pack is available to the seller, the buyer and their respective solicitors.

What does a 'Buyer Information Pack' contain?

Our (Law Society Approved) Buyer Information Pack is packed with information on the property that will help secure a serious and committed buyer. 

This process speeds up transaction times by multiple weeks.

Who can see the Buyer Information Pack?

Some of this information is publicly available on our website on each property, some of it we can email a potential buyer as it could be more private information. Security is paramount for us.

The pack is also available by invitation to potential buyers and their solicitors before they offer. An educated buyer is more secure knowing all the ins and outs of a property before any offer is accepted.

How much does a Buyer Information Pack cost?

There is no charge for Sawdye & Harris to organise the pack and securely store it electronically for our clients.

If you have any questions about our Buyer Information Packs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Want to reduce the risk of a fall through even further? Contact us about our Reservation Agreements.

As we look to the festive season and then to the New Year, it's a natural time for reflection and resolutions. Perhaps among your aspirations for 2024 is the desire to create a positive change, and what better way to achieve that than by exploring the idea of a new home?

The holiday season often sheds light on aspects of our current homes that may no longer align with our needs and desires or what we really want. Are you feeling a bit too distanced from loved ones? Did the holiday break expose the inconvenience of traveling to supermarkets and shops? Or did you find your space challenged when hosting a growing family? If any of these questions resonate with you, the beginning of the year might be a good time for a change.

Here are some great reasons why considering a move in in 2024 could be the perfect start to your year:

1. A Fresh Start to the Year: Moving in January not only allows you to swiftly check off one of your New Year's resolutions but also sets the stage for creating new memories in a new home. Plus, the early move sets you up for an effortless spring cleaning when the time comes!

2. Quieter Social Scene: January tends to be a quieter month socially, providing you with the perfect opportunity to use your free time wisely. Utilize this time to explore properties, declutter, and efficiently pack your belongings.

3. Less Market Competition: With fewer homes typically on the market in January, there's less competition for sellers. Limited choices for buyers often result in obtaining the best price from a buyer in the best position.

4. Summer Fun in Your New Home: While others are grappling with the summer chaos of moving, you can relax and enjoy the warm months in your new home. Consider yourself the perfect host for this year's summer BBQs!

If the idea of a January move sounds like something you might want to consider, then the team at Sawdye & Harris is here to lend a helping hand. With over 175 years of experience in selling homes in this area, we have the expertise to secure the best price for your home in the New Year!

Are you seeking expert advice on presenting your home for sale? Need guidance on decluttering and decorating? Eager to get a head start and launch your home to the market before the Spring rush?

Reach out to us at katie@sawdyeandharris.co.uk with the subject line 'New Year New Home,' and we'll be in touch to guide you through this exciting journey.

Cheers to a new chapter in 2024!

As we head into the festive season, sprinkle some extra magic in your home this year with these key Christmas trends for 2023.

1. Bring the outside in

Wreaths are an essential on any festive front door but this year, why not bring the Christmas spirit inside by using a wreath for your Christmas table centrepiece too? You can opt for a traditional wreath but if you prefer a glam look, choose a bauble wreath for a pop of colour to brighten up your Christmas table. Fill the inside of the wreath with large baubles for maximum effect or candles for atmosphere.

2. Double up

Just having one Christmas tree isn’t enough for everyone – 27% of people now have two Christmas trees: a main one for presents and a second ‘show tree’, according to the John Lewis 2023 Festive Traditions Tracker. This figure increases to four in 10 among those with children. So while the evergreen argument about whether a real or fake Christmas tree is best is still going strong – embracing this trend gives you the excuse to have the best of both worlds: a real tree in one room and a fake one in another.

3. Put on a show

It’s not just our interiors that are getting a festive makeover for 2023; 24% say decorating outside their house has become a new tradition, according to the retailer’s research. In fact, a total of 57% of households now decorate outdoors. The majority (72%) believe outdoor lights should be ‘tasteful’, with 18% opting for bright and bold decorations.

4. All the right feels

Christmas in 2023 is all about texture, from tree decorations made from glass, velvet, feathers, tassels and glitter to luxe touches of cashmere and faux fur finishes. The more textures, the merrier – the idea is to make someone admiring your display to want to reach out and touch!

5. Show off your personality

And as well as different textures, the hot trend for Christmas 2023 is decorating trees with unusual decorations. Sales of ‘quirky’ baubles like mushrooms and air fryers are up 43% compared to last year, according to John Lewis. They’ve also spotted a shift in people buying individual baubles rather than sets of them.  

6. Woodland vibes

Creating a frosted forest is a key Christmas trend for 2023, according to Homebase. To create a woodland theme, choose baubles in all shades of green, copper and white. Also, incorporate natural elements in your Christmas decorations too, this cuts back on waste, saves cash, looks fabulous – and smells great too. Add sprigs of holly and pinecones to your mantlepiece and use dried fruit like oranges on your Christmas tree.

7. Light it right

Set the perfect Christmas atmosphere by being creative with lighting. Add Christmas lanterns on your dinner table and to light up you garden and put tealights in pretty candleholders on your mantlepiece. And fairy lights aren’t just for your tree, think about where else you can add them. Can you wrap some around a bookcase or along kitchen shelves to add a festive glow?

8. Perfect on paper

A good sustainable option and with endless versatility, paper decorations are one of the major Christmas trends for 2023, whether it’s paper garlands and decorations – or even trees made from card. Plus, creating paper decorations is fun for crafters and great for kids to help with too.

9. Have a guaranteed white Christmas

We might not be able to control the weather so that we can wake up to a covering of white on Christmas morning, but that doesn’t stop you having a white Christmas theme indoors. Go for a luxurious and elegant vibe: think white candles, pristine white tablecloth, with a dinner service already laid. You won’t want to leave the table!

10. Gorgeous garlands

Hanging a stunning garland in an archway or hallway by using a shower or curtain rod is one of the key Christmas trends for 2023. To get the look, drape garlands, fairy lights and statement decorations over your rod, then lift into position and tighten so it holds in place. There’s no need to drill so it’s hassle-free and looks incredible.

We hope you enjoy this article and get lots of tips to decorate your home beautiful this Christmas time.

Happy Christmas

Source - www.hoa.org.uk

Deciding whether to sell your current home before finding a new one or vice versa is a common dilemma faced by homeowners looking to move. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully weighed up.

While there is no definitive right or wrong answer, discussing options thoroughly with your estate agent can provide valuable guidance. Remaining flexible is also advisable, as evolving market conditions can frequently cause timelines and plans to shift. With pros and cons on both sides, what works best for one homeowner may be entirely different for another. Here, we’ll take a look at the case for both scenarios and what to think about before making your decision.

The Benefits Of Finding Your Next Home Before Selling

While listing your current house first may seem like the obvious choice, there are several good reasons to consider securing a new property before putting your existing home on the market. It gives you more negotiation leverage.

It gives you more negotiation leverage. With a new place already lined up, you have the opportunity to invest in a property survey that might flag up issues leading you to negotiate harder on the sale price of your new property. Since you're under less pressure to finalise a deal, you can hold out for the right offer on your own home too.

When you search first, you avoid settling for a lesser home. Rushing to buy a new house because you've already sold could mean having to compromise on location, features, space or other key elements that are important to you as a buyer. Buying first means you don't have to sacrifice your must-haves or make desperate choices due to running against the clock.

Purchasing your ideal property first can give you a stronger negotiating position, prevent settling, streamline the buying process and reduce moving stress. The key points are having financial flexibility and not racing against the clock, but, of course, this way of buying relies on you having access to the funds.

Making the Case for Selling First

Putting your property on the market first could be the best approach in certain situations. There are some key benefits for listing your house before finding another. First, it means you’re able to take advantage of high demand. In a sellers' market with low inventory and lots of eager buyers, listing your home straight away can maximise its sales potential. With less properties competing for buyers' attention, you're likely to drum up more interest and potentially achieve a higher sale price. Striking while the iron is hot in a hot market beats waiting.

You can also avoid any double mortgage payments. Carrying two mortgage loans simultaneously while transitioning between homes can put tremendous strain on finances. Selling your current property first means you won't be stuck paying for two properties at the same time. This can provide peace of mind and reduce financial stress.

It will also drum up your motivation to find a new home. Once your house is officially on the market, you have committed to moving. This creates motivation and urgency to find your next home, reducing procrastination. The active listing will no doubt spur you on to view properties and make an offer.

Listing your existing home first can be advantageous if market conditions are right, you want to avoid problematic double payments, and you need a nudge to proactively start house hunting.

Key Factors to Consider

Determining the best order of operations fundamentally depends on your personal situation and objectives. Speak to your estate agent to get their experienced perspective on how much your property is worth and the general interest in your local area for properties, which may influence your decision. For example, if the market is hot and your property has increased in price, it may be worth biting the bullet and putting your property up for sale to get the best price.

Additionally, take a holistic look at your financial position to see if you can realistically manage double mortgage payments if you purchase your next property before selling your existing home. While uncertainty in the housing market remains, there might be less property stock in your area for you to view. Alternatively, if you had already planned to move to a new area, the timing could suit your chances of securing a better offer there than a year ago. 

Evaluate your family's needs like schools, space and commuting logistics to gauge if you have flexibility in your next home search or if you need to find something quickly. Furthermore, consider your must-have criteria for a new house and honestly assess how likely you are to find a suitable match in your desired area in a short timeframe. Selling before securing your next home makes sense if you have broad search criteria and confidence that you can find something quickly. Running both transactions concurrently is very achievable with proper planning, but also carries stress and financial anxiety.

If possible, give yourself a buffer so you are not forced to accept the first available option. With good agent advice and analysis of your own circumstances, you can determine the sequencing strategy with the highest probability of success and least disruption.

Deciding whether it's better to sell your existing home first or buy a new one is a very personal decision that depends on your unique situation and goals. There are compelling cases to be made for both approaches. Key factors to weigh up include current market conditions, your financial flexibility, the needs of your family and your lifestyle, commute considerations, and your must-have criteria for a new home.

Remain open-minded and flexible, as timelines often need to shift to adapt to changing market conditions. With proper planning and advice, either approach can work. The right decision is the one that enables you to find your ideal next home with the least stress and financial strain. Talk through your options thoroughly with your estate agent to understand the dynamics of your local market and for valuable guidance.

For many the firs point in a house move journey is to understand the value of their current home. Whether you want a quick, instant online valuation indication or a more robust specific and individual valuation, we would be delighted to help - click here to get your online valuation.

Katie Griffin